Final answer:
A learning disability requiring accommodation must be professionally diagnosed and substantial enough to limit major life activities, including learning. Laws require that schools and workplaces make reasonable accommodations, such as alternative assessment methods or extended time for tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
To have a learning disability that requires accommodation, a student must typically be formally evaluated and diagnosed by a professional, who determines that the disability substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning. For example, a common learning disability is dyslexia, which affects the ability to process letters and words, leading to difficulties in reading and writing. Schools and workplaces are often legally required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which may include providing alternative assessment methods or extra time for tests and assignments.
Under various federal laws such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, discrimination against those with disabilities is prohibited, and reasonable accommodations are required. Such accommodations help create a level playing field, allowing those with learning disabilities to demonstrate their true capabilities and achieve academic and professional success.